The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) put the naming of the vessel to a public vote (I hope we have all learned from this mistake) and Boaty McBoatface came out with four times as many votes as the runner up, RRS Poppy-Mai.

The chief executive of the NERC, Duncan Wingham, who made the final decision, faced the dilemma of choosing between the credibility of his organisation and the overwhelming burden of public opinion.

RSS Sir David Attenborough will be the UK’s largest and most advanced research ship which will allow scientists to carry out research safely and efficiently through the harsh winter months in the arctic.

The ship, which can hold 90 people, will be able to blast through ice up to a metre thick!